What Is Shiplap Wood? - Kitchen Cabinets

Shiplap wood is a popular type of wooden board used for interior wall and ceiling paneling. It has a unique look with exposed horizontal joints that create a rustic, vintage aesthetic.

What Is Shiplap Made Of?

Shiplap boards are typically made from pine, cypress, spruce or cedar wood. The boards have a milled edge that creates a channel on each side. This allows the boards to fit snugly together, side-by-side, with a visible gap between them.

Some key features of shiplap wood include:

Made of natural wood, most commonly pine.
Boards are 3/4” to 1” thick.
Tongue and groove or rabbeted edges to fit together.
Horizontal joints create alternating overlap and reveal.
Unfinished, primed or pre-painted boards available.
Sold in planks from 4’ to 12’ long.

What Does Shiplap Look Like?

Shiplap has a recognizable look thanks to the visible horizontal joints between each board. When installed on a wall or ceiling, the boards line up vertically with a small, shallow channel separating them.

The overlapping joints paired with the wood grain create an appealing rustic aesthetic. It provides visual texture and interest to any space.

When unfinished, shiplap showcases the natural color and pattern of the wood. It can also be primed for painting or come pre-finished with a smooth, protective coat of paint. The most common shiplap colors are white, gray and neutral tones.

Whether stained, painted, or raw wood, shiplap makes a statement. The reclaimed, vintage look pairs beautifully in farmhouse, industrial, cottage and coastal style homes.

Why Use Shiplap?

There are several benefits that make shiplap wood popular for homes:

Distressed Look: The visible seams and often rough-sawn texture give shiplap a timeworn, vintage appearance. This warm, organic look fits well in many design styles.
Easy Installation: Shiplap boards install directly onto studs or over existing materials, like drywall. No special skills are needed and it goes up quickly.
Affordable: Since shiplap uses common wood species, it is typically an affordable option compared to other wood wall accents. It provides a high-end look without the high price tag.
Covers Flaws: The shiplap joints conceal any imperfections, cracks or seams in existing walls. The boards give a smooth, cohesive look.
Adaptable: Shiplap can be painted or stained to suit your design. It works on walls and ceilings, in any room. Install it horizontally, vertically or in unique patterns.

The rustic, reclaimed look of shiplap wood continues to be a popular interior design choice. It transforms any boring wall or ceiling into a textured, eye-catching backdrop.

How Is Shiplap Measured?

Shiplap boards are commonly sold by linear foot and classified by board thickness, width and length. Here are the key measurements:

Thickness – Shiplap usually comes in 3/4” or 1” thick boards. Thicker 1” boards provide more depth and shadow lines.
Width – Standard widths range from 4” to 8”. Wider 6” or 8” boards cover more surface area.
Length – Shiplap comes in lengths from 4 feet to 12 feet long. Longer boards reduce seams.
Pattern – Determine board orientation before buying. Horizontal application needs shorter, wider boards. Vertical needs longer, narrower pieces.
Square footage – Calculate the square footage of your space to purchase adequate coverage. Account for 10% overage for irregular walls and cutting.

Understanding these measurements will ensure you buy the right amount of shiplap for your project. Factor in the desired look, installation orientation, and total square footage area when determining quantities.

What Types of Shiplap Are There?

There are a few different types of shiplap boards that create the signature horizontal board look:

Tongue and Groove

The most common type features a milled groove (channel) on one edge of each board and an interlocking tongue on the opposite edge. The tongue fits snugly into the groove to conceal the seams.

Rabbeted

Rabbeted edges have a lip cut out to create the groove for the adjoining board to fit into. This also provides a tight joint between boards.

Nickel Gap

Nickel gap shiplap has a wider gap between boards, typically 1/4” to 1/2”. This exaggerated reveal creates strong shadow lines.

Beaded

Beaded shiplap has a rounded milled edge rather than a sharp groove. Beaded boards have a softer, less linear look.

The main considerations are the edge type (tongue and groove, rabbeted, etc.) and the gap width. Choose traditional tight seams or dramatic nickel gap depending on the look you want.

Can You Install Shiplap Horizontally or Vertically?

One of the great things about shiplap is that it can be oriented vertically or horizontally on walls and ceilings. The orientation impacts the visual effect as well as the installation method.

Horizontal

Installing shiplap horizontally provides a more traditional, placid look. The long, parallel lines create a calming effect. It also resembles traditional board and batten siding on homes.

The ideal boards for horizontal use are shorter lengths, around 4 to 6 feet long. This reduces waste since the boards can run across walls with fewer seams. Opt for wider 6” to 8” boards to reduce the number of joints.

Cut the boards to fit between floor and ceiling horizontally. Use a level and chalk line to keep the courses straight and even.

Vertical

Vertical shiplap has a more contemporary, dynamic look. The vertical lines draw the eye up and can make rooms feel taller. Thinner, longer boards are best for vertical installation.

Measure from floor to ceiling and cut the boards to fit the wall vertically. Use a level and chalk line to ensure straight vertical courses. Trim the top and bottom boards to size.

Vertical shiplap can be subtly or prominently vertical. For a dominant directional look, make the boards wider and turn them on the short side. Wider boards reduce busyness while the thin, vertical orientation makes a statement.

Both orientations result in the signature shiplap look simply turned on its side. Choose based on the vibe you want to achieve. Mixing up orientations from room to room adds interest and highlights architectural details.

What’s the Best Paint Color for Shiplap?

One of the great aspects of shiplap is that it can be painted or stained. This makes it easy to fit the look into any design style through color selection. Here are some popular shade options:

White – Crisp white shiplap has a light coastal or farmhouse vibe. It keeps rooms feeling airy and bright.
Light Greys – From a whisper of gray to a pale driftwood, light greys work everywhere. They feel warmer than white and still lighten up spaces.
Charcoal or Black – For dramatic effect, go bold with an ebony or charcoal stained shiplap accent wall. It instantly draws the eye.
Soft Neutrals – Light taupes, almond, and warm greys bring subtle depth. They allow shiplap’s natural pattern to shine.
Deep Hues – Try navy blue, emerald, or marsala stained shiplap to make a statement. Use these colors sparingly, like on one focal wall.
Distressed Look – For a timeworn charm, use white-washed or vintage glaze techniques over your shiplap boards.

The color possibilities are truly endless. For a cohesive look, use colors inspired by other elements in the space, like furnishings or an area rug. Tone on tone is pleasing to the eye.

How Much Does Shiplap Cost?

The cost of shiplap varies based on the type of wood, board dimensions, and finish. Here are some typical price ranges:

Pine – $2 to $8 per square foot
Cedar – $6 to $10 per square foot
Spruce – $3 to $6 per square foot
Primed – $0.50 to $2 more per square foot
Pre-finished – $2 to $4 more per square foot

Pine is the most affordable wood option. Cedar and spruce cost slightly more but provide varying looks. Opt for primed boards if you’ll be painting. Pre-finished shiplap offers added durability and time savings.

Be sure to calculate the square footage of your space and add 10% extra for inaccuracies and cuts. Buying adequate coverage is key from the start for an efficient install.

Overall, shiplap offers an elevated, high-end look at a reasonable price point for most budgets. With smart planning, you can achieve the perfect shiplap feature wall or full room makeover affordably.

What Tools Do You Need to Install Shiplap?

Installing shiplap on walls or ceilings is considered an intermediate DIY project, but it can be managed by anyone with basic skills and the right tools:

Tape measure
Stud finder
Level
Chalk line
Circular saw or miter saw
Table saw, jigsaw or handsaw
Nail gun or hammer
Pry bar
Wood glue
Construction adhesive
Finishing nails
Paintable caulk

Optional handy tools include a laser level, T-square, and air compressor if using a pneumatic nail gun.

Gather tools ahead and make sure saw blades are sharp for smooth, clean cuts. Use a work table to make any precise mitered edge cuts before installing. Safety glasses and a face mask are also essential safety gear when cutting and nailing shiplap.

What is the Best Way to Install Shiplap?

Follow these steps for a successful shiplap installation:

Prepare the surface – Walls should be smooth, clean and dry. Remove any protruding nails or screws. Fill any large holes or imperfections with spackle. Prime if painting.
Map the layout – Decide if installing horizontally or vertically. Mark stud locations and where the first board will start. Use a level and chalk line as a guide.
Cut boards to size – Measure and cut your first row to fit to studs/ceiling. Rip-cut final row to correct width to finish evenly.
Fasten the first row – Apply adhesive to studs and back of boards. Pre-drill and nail into studs every 16”. Check it’s level.
Attach subsequent rows – Glue tongue and back of boards. Blind nail through tongue into board below. Wipe away excess glue immediately.
Conceal seams – Use painter’s caulk that matches board color to fill any gaps. Fill nail holes with putty. Sand any rough spots.
Finish the look – Stain, prime or paint boards as desired. Add wall trim like baseboard molding for a polished look.

Take your time measuring and cutting precisely for tight seams. Staggering the end joints between rows creates a pleasing, staggered brickwork pattern. Stand back frequently to ensure the courses remain straight.

Shiplap Wall Ideas

Shiplap brings warmth and texture to walls in any room. Here are some inspiring shiplap wall ideas:

Accent wall – Use shiplap on one focal wall, like behind a bed or sofa. Paint it a bold color for emphasis.
Fireplace – Frame out a cozy fireplace with floor-to-ceiling dimensional shiplap.
Sloped ceilings – Highlight angles with horizontal shiplap running the length of the ceiling.
Whole room – For rustic charm, use shiplap on all four walls. Try it in an entryway, dining room or library.
Backsplash – Run a wood shiplap backsplash vertically behind kitchen counters or bathroom vanities.
Wainscoting – Use wide shiplap boards on lower walls with trim above for built-in wainscoting style.
Paneling – Frame windows, doors and room edges with symmetrical shiplap panels for an architecturally interesting look.
Open shelving – Surround open cabinets or shelving with shiplap cut to fit for a built-in look.

Mixing up the orientation and layout patterns keeps shiplap looking fresh and modern. It brings cozy texture to any living space.

Shiplap Ceiling Ideas

Shiplap also lends wonderful warmth overhead on ceilings. Consider these shiplap ceiling applications:

Beams – Outline beams and rafters with shiplap borders to draw the eye up and define architecture.
Coffered – Use shiplap to create geometric coffered squares for visual intrigue and depth.
Sloped – Follow the slope of a cathedral or vaulted ceiling with horizontal shiplap boards.
Screened porch – Add shiplap to a covered patio ceiling for a welcoming look outdoors.
Barn style – Lean into the rustic charm with shiplap on sloped ceilings, like in a garage or shed.
Full ceiling – For impact, run shiplap across an entire room’s ceiling. It instantly warms up the space.
Bathtub surround – Use shiplap on the ceiling over a stand-alone tub for a spa-like soak.

Shiplap overhead adds texture and amplifies architectural interest. It brings a cozy, rustic ambiance to rooms of all kinds.

Does Shiplap Need to Be Sealed?

Raw shiplap wood should always be sealed to protect it from moisture, warping and staining. There are several good sealing options:

Primer – Priming shiplap unifies color variations and allows for paint adhesion. Opt for oil-based or high-quality acrylic primer.
Stain – Penetrating stains enhance the natural wood grain while sealing the boards. For longevity, apply a polyurethane top coat over stain.
Paint – A few coats of quality acrylic latex paint provides coverage as well as protection. Spackle any seams and sand before painting.
Outdoor sealant – For shiplap used outside, use an exterior wood sealer rated for outdoor use. Reapply every 1-2 years.
Polyurethane – Clear polyurethane leaves the natural wood look while creating a moisture-resistant seal. Use sparingly to avoid yellowing.

Always check the manufacturer’s recommended sealant or finish for the specific type of shiplap wood you choose. Proper sealing is crucial for performance and will help the shiplap last for many years.

Can You Use Shiplap Outside?

While most commonly used indoors, using shiplap siding outside is also a great option. Here are a few tips for exterior shiplap:

Select rot-resistant wood like cedar, cypress or treated pine to withstand moisture.
Use weatherproof adhesive like exterior construction adhesive when attaching boards.
Look for pressure-treated shiplap for patios, garages and outdoor structures.
Seal thoroughly with exterior wood finish and reapply as needed.
Allow adequate drainage behind boards so water doesn’t pool.
Install a weather barrier like house wrap underneath for moisture protection.

With proper prep and materials, shiplap makes a charming, durable exterior siding. Use it to accent front entries, porches, she sheds or tree houses.

Does Shiplap Need to Be Installed on Studs?

Installing shiplap directly onto wall studs behind drywall provides the most secure mounting. However, shiplap can also be installed right over existing drywall or paneling if necessary.

Here are some tips for installing shiplap over drywall:

Use longer, 2” to 3” screws to penetrate through the boards into studs. Pre-drill holes to avoid splitting.
Apply heavy-duty construction adhesive combined with screws for added strength and stability.
Look for the nail/screw patterns on the drywall and match them with your shiplap screw placement.
Consider adding furring strips horizontally along the wall first to create a nailing base behind the shiplap.
Remove any loose drywall or paneling first and fill large holes or gaps with spackle for a smooth surface.

While attaching directly to studs is best, shiplap can still be mounted securely over existing finished walls. Follow these tips for a safely installed feature wall.

What is the Best Wood to Use for Shiplap?

Pine is the most common and affordable choice, but several wood species work well. Considerations include:

Pine – Softwood is lightweight, inexpensive and stains easily. Prone to knots.
Cedar – Resilient outdoor wood with a reddish hue. Withstands weather when sealed.
Cypress – Attractive grain and natural resistance to rot and pests. Stains to a warm gray.
Spruce – Lightweight softwood that stains very evenly. Minimal knotting and grain pattern.
Poplar – Versatile hardwood that paints smoothly. Affordable option for painted shiplap.
Oak – Hardwood with dramatic grain. Relatively heavy so requires sturdy mounting.

The right shiplap wood depends on factors like cost, appearance, weight and installation location. Softer pine is ideal for many homes, while cedar and cypress are great wood choices for exterior sh